Muammar Gaddafi was a Libyan political leader who ruled Libya from 1969 until his death in 2011. He came to power through a military coup and established a unique form of governance known as the Jamahiriya, which emphasized direct democracy. Gaddafi was known for his controversial policies, including the nationalization of oil resources and his support for various revolutionary movements around the world. Gaddafi's rule was marked by significant human rights abuses and repression of dissent. In 2011, during the Arab Spring, widespread protests against his regime led to a civil war. He was eventually captured and killed by rebel forces, ending his 42-year rule over Libya.